Christine,
I am a big fan of using games as review devices. My student love game time for review. Their favorite is Jeopardy. We cover a lot of content and they start to realize that they in fact have learned a lot of information since the last test. Also, they love being in teams and competing for rewards such a pieces of candy. We instructors need to remember that adults are just taller children.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Showing enthusiasm about the subject matter is key in motivating students. Also, the ability to convey subject material in a clear, concise manner in which the student can relate. Equally important is the delivery process. The instructors ability to move around the room instead of lecturing from behind a podium seems to help in the motivation of students.
Simple games that will briefly review the content learned and even some simple prizes awarded for the "winners" motivates the students in several ways. Competitiveness, cognitive confirmation of the material learned, and positive energy from their peers motivates the learning environment.
Pete,
Thank you for your response. Why do you address the students using plural instead of singular nouns? I use the students' first name. I feel that it brings me closer to them.
MacDameon,
Can you expand on each of these items so that participants will have an understanding of why they are listed? Thank you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Expertise, Empathy, Ethusiasm , clarity.
Marcia,
This is a simple but very effective way to keep a finger on the pulse of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gina,
In addition to your strategies something I use in my larger classes (50-70 students) are name tents. I have the students put their names on 5X7 cards and fold them so they will set up for easy observation. I give them felt markers to write with and them them use different colors to write their names. A few classes meetings with the name tents really help cue me. I use your other strategies as well but I find with over 300 students each session I need all of the visual cues I can get to remember their names.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
MacDameon,
Thank you for sharing this list with us. The four elements are great ways to encourage, support and motivate students that may not see the value of the content being offered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like the example given in this course; using the 3x5 card for the students to share an example of a significant learning experience to motiviate them mid-way through the course.
I agree that learning names are extremely important. Unfortunately this is an area that I struggle with. I forget names and mix up my students way too often. Any recommendations to help memorize my students' names? I have tried cards with photos, Delaney books, and name tags.
THIER ARE SEVEREAL TECHNIQUES BEING USED TO BUILD MOTIVATION,THE FOUR MOST POWERFUL ATTRIBUTES TO MOTIVATING BY STUDIES SHOW EXPERTISE, EMPATHY, ENTHUSIASM, CLARITY. EMPATHY IS ONE THAT I USE OFTEN USING PERSONAL SUCCESSES OF THE STUDENT TO RELATE THEM TO THIER CURRENT LEARNING EXPERIENCES.
Elaine,
Empowerment is a critical part of the learning process. You are helping your students to be able to see that they have something to contribute to the class when they are highlighted with something they have done and you want to share with the rest of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students often present their music in my class, and if I see a teaching opportunity - say, they used a technique that I haven't taught yet - I will say, "Please leave that screen up for a bit. I want to show the class something in particular that you have done." It shows the students a new skill in a way that shows its relevancy (someone has used it in their song, and it sounds good), and it also makes the student presenter feel empowered.
Lots of hands on activities as well as discussion groups
Daniel,
With the life experiences of your students I can see how it could be a challenge to keep them engaged and focused on what is being taught. By helping them to use these extensive life experiences you are connecting the content to their future endeavors and hopefully their continued career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ali,
Yes you can because when you do this you are increasing the value of the course to the students. They start to see the ROI of their time and effort paying off through what is being taught.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel that you can motivate students with showing them how they will be able to apply the content to their careers in the future. As well as being a good authentic leader by giving positive feedback when earned and constructive feedback when necessary.
As and instructor at a military education center for senior personnel, there are many "external" motivators already at work. The course is directly related to not only advancment in their field, but scenarios and situational instruction that will and has been a part of their lives for over 20 years for some of the students. That being said, there are still challenges to motivating them in the classroom environment. Our philosophy of facilitating conversations vs lecturing is a big advantage. We try to focus the instruction around their examples and have them solve the problemsthat have been posed. This keeps them engaged and communicating with each other.
Steven,
I think this is a great idea. I use case studies and role playing in my classes to help the students develop skills and knowledge about what they will encounter when they are in the workplace. The more experience they have in this the easier their transition will be. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
